Dog bites aren’t just painful, they can also be life-altering. If you or a loved one was involved in a dog bite attack and it meets the parameters of the Illinois Dog Bite Statute 510 ILCS 5/16.
Law 510 ILCS 5/16 states:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”
This means that to prove that the owner of a dog, or other animal, that has bitten is liable for the bite, the injured party must prove three things:
- The dog or other animal attempted to attack, attacked, or injured the victim.
- The victim had the legal right to be in the place where the attack occurred.
- The dog or other animal was not in any way provoked into attacking.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, we at America’s Consumer Lawyer are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement.
3 Common Ways Dog Bites Can Cause Disability
A dog bite can cause extensive damages, putting a dog bite victim out of work for extended periods of time, or even permanently.
The three most common ways that dog bites can cause disability include:
- Pain – Dog bites hurt. Dog jaws are extremely strong and can damage the skin, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain and numbness that could affect the ability to work.
- Nerve damage – Dog teeth can penetrate and sever nerves that can result in temporary or permanent loss of feeling and movement, making it difficult or impossible to function normally or work.
- Infection – Mouths are ripe with infection and dog’s mouths are no different. A dog bite exposes an open wound to these potentially harmful bacteria which can cause secondary infections and complications, which can be life-threatening.
Types of Disabilities
Following a dog bite attack, you may suffer from a disability. There are three types of disabilities, each with its own value in a settlement or jury verdict.
The three types of disabilities include:
- Temporary Disability – Temporary disabilities are the most common type of disability after a dog bite. These are minor injuries that will eventually heal, but still impair you for a short period of time.
- Partial Disability – Partial disabilities may impact your job or personal life, but you are still otherwise functional. For example, if your injury prevents you from any heavy lifting and you work in construction, you may have to change the type of work you do, causing a loss in income.
- Permanent Disability – Permanent disability involves a complete loss of the ability to work due to conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injuries and amputations. There are injuries that will be lifelong and will have lifelong needs and ongoing medical care.
Negotiating for a fair settlement is not an easy task, especially if you have sustained a life-changing injury due to no fault of your own.
We at America’s Consumer Lawyer are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.
